For the Sky Blues, Aleisha Clifford, Chloe Logarzo and ex-Canberra forward Emma Kete were all drafted back into the team in place of Danielle Brogan, Caitlin Foord and Leena Khamis respectively.

Both teams came out of the blocks intent on stamping their authority on the encounter but the crowd didn't have to wait long for a goal and when it came it had the McKellar Park faithful on its feet in awe and appreciation.

It was all the work of Heyman with the international striker showing her credentials in front of watching Matildas' Coach Hesterine De Reus.

Sydney responded well and Williams had to be alert on a couple of occasions whilst at the other end Dumont did well to palm over a spectacular volley from Munoz.

However, the league leaders deservedly fought level ten minutes before the half-time break.

Awarded a free-kick outside the box, dead-ball expert Renee Rollason did what she does best and curled a sensational shot high over the Canberra wall and past the flailing Williams for a stunning equaliser.

Canberra should have regained the lead minutes later but Sykes diverted a Heyman cross-shot straight at Dumont from inside the six-yard box before poking the rebound past the post.

The pace of the match was intense and the challenges were flying in with Ellie Brush receiving a yellow card for a robust tackle on youngster Amy Harrison.

United regained the initiative twelve minutes into the second half from the spot. Sykes won the penalty kick after being brought down by a lunging tackle by Alesha Clifford. Munoz did the rest, coolly placing the ball past Dumont and into the corner.

Heyman almost made it three with twenty minutes to go but was denied by Dumont, advancing rapidly from her line to snuff out the danger.

Sydney FC weren't done and Canberra central defensive pair Catherine Brown and Brush had to defend stoutly to block a number of Sky Blues raids augmented by the introduction of the speedy Foord after 75 minutes.

A cracking sliding tackle from Brown dispossessed the rampaging Sam Kerr with minutes left as United visibly flagged.

Kerr should have levelled with two minutes remaining, skewing horribly wide from in front as the ball arrived at pace.

But try as they might Sydney FC could not find a way past the United defence for a second time and the home side held on for all three points which moved them into third place on the ladder, leapfrogging Brisbane Roar.